Apartments/Crime/Safety - Near Alafaya (Orlando: lease, appliances, hotel)

[DAF625]

Hello all,


I have taken a job at Lockheed Martin near Alafaya. I have some questions and concerns about the area and would greatly value the opinion of those in the area.


1) I am looking for a quiet apartment close to work, 1-bedroom, preferably $1,100-1,200/month (can go a little more if needed). Safety is important. Requirements: In-unit washer/dryer, dishwasher. Wish list: updated kitchen, modern design. I have looked at many apartments online, but I have not seen any in person. I have had a good recommendation from a tenant in Heritage Estates. Could you please suggest apartments that may be a good fit for me?


If helpful, here is my current list: Mirabella, Victoria Place, Avalon Park, Chickasaw, Ashton Waterford, The Glenn, Highpoint Club, Tortuga Bay, Heritage Estates, Camden Waterford, Windrift, Alta, Pine Harbor, Woodlands.



2) What is the crime like in this area, and the surrounding area? I read from these forums that the Orlando crime statistics can be misleading, so I would like to get an accurate feel for the area I would live in. I have lived in an extremely safe small town with zero crime up until now, so this is one of my bigger concerns. Please be descriptive as possible – types of crime, frequency, first hand experiences, etc.



3) What areas around here are safe and unsafe? I have found maps of Orlando, but not typically this far eastward. A screenshot of Google maps highlighting good/bad areas would be fantastic!


4) What is the general atmosphere of this area? Are people open and friendly? Or do they prefer to be ignored? [When I previously visited Florida, I got a very relaxed and warm vibe – very different from the northeast!]


Thanks very much,
DAF625

[ScottFL78]

I live in Mirabella. Very close to Lockheed. There are a few police officers that live in the complex. Very quiet and safe. People in Waterford Lakes are laid back and nice from what I can tell.

[OTownKnight]

The Waterford Lakes area is safe and friendly for the most part. Lots of families but it has gotten more and more crowded over the years.

With the population comes crime, it's inevitable. However, it's not the projects and you're not going to get shot in a drive-by at 4 in the afternoon. I would try to stay south of Waterford Lakes Town Center. The closer to Colonial you get (especially along Alafaya going north of Colonial) the worse it gets. The area around Lockheed south of 408 is great though, lots of higher end family oriented communities. There's plenty of shopping and dining around there as well, it's a solid area.

Again I would personally prefer to be south of 408 and wouldn't go close to the Colonial/Alafaya intersection, but that's just me. Not to say that area is dangerous, just personal living preferences.

[DAF625]

Thanks for your responses! I will definitely check out Mirabella/Waterford lakes areas.

Great to know about the area as well. Perhaps I experienced what it was like slightly. I went for the interview and arrived at a hotel on East Colonial at 1 am. A man who appeared to be homeless came in with a blank key card, had no idea which room he was in, did not know his own name, could not tell the receptionist the name of anyone in the room, and barely could speak.

Again thanks for you input. I was only in this area for such a short time, I really did not get to explore it.

[ScottFL78]

Colonial is a major road that goes all the way across town. If you were to see riff raff it would be there. I haven't seen a bum or homeless person in waterford lakes yet. Being near the college I feel the area is policed well. I have only lived here since NYE so I am no expert but when I started my job (also a defense ctr) I was pleased to find out that most of my coworkers live in waterford lakes as well. A short drive to work has always been important to me. Traffic around here can be bad. I only have to go through a few stop lights so it isn't that bad for me. I find myself forcing myself to venture out and explore the town because Waterford Lakes has everything one needs as far as dining amd shopping.

[DAF625]

Thanks for your input Scott. I am glad to hear the area has everything one would need, and the close commute is ideal for me as well.

I have been particularly looking at Camden Waterford, Rexford Waterford, Mirabella, Heritage Estates, Victoria Place, and Ashton Waterford. Any more input on these apartments? I can't find many reviews other than a few negative ones. I am a little let down by the older kitchens, as I plan to eat most of my meals at home.

Another concern I had, are there many college students in these complexes? Just curious if there would be loud neighbors/parties/etc.

What are your favorite supermarkets in this area? (I usually shop at Aldi, Walmart, and Price Chopper - the first two appear to be in the area). Is the Publix supermarket any good?

[OTownKnight]

Originally Posted by DAF625

Thanks for your input Scott. I am glad to hear the area has everything one would need, and the close commute is ideal for me as well.

I have been particularly looking at Camden Waterford, Rexford Waterford, Mirabella, Heritage Estates, Victoria Place, and Ashton Waterford. Any more input on these apartments? I can't find many reviews other than a few negative ones. I am a little let down by the older kitchens, as I plan to eat most of my meals at home.

Another concern I had, are there many college students in these complexes? Just curious if there would be loud neighbors/parties/etc.

What are your favorite supermarkets in this area? (I usually shop at Aldi, Walmart, and Price Chopper - the first two appear to be in the area). Is the Publix supermarket any good?

Camden is probably going to be your nicest option. It's only about 3 years old so the apartments are a lot more modern than the others. You're likely to have less college students here since the price point is higher. College kids probably can't afford Camden's rents, especially when they can go right down the road and get something 30% less. This helps keep it a nicer community with less parties, screaming and drunk 18 year olds at 2am, etc.

The Wal-mart neighborhood market at Alafaya and Curry Ford is a good one. The Winn-Dixie at Alafaya and Underhill actually isn't bad despite WD's issues. This one stays fairly busy because of its great location right in the heart of Waterford. Publix is the best supermarket in Florida though. This is pretty much everyone's favorite place to shop. It's pricier than Walmart but it's a much better shopping experience and has a better selection on most items.

[ScottFL78]

They all have some bad reviews but if you read them, and read between the lines, most were written by someone who thought they were being screwed when they actually probably broke the rules or didn't read their lease. Camden is probably the newest but there are reviews stating that there are college kids living there. Who knows. I chose Mirabella, and could have had granite counter tops but I wouldn't have been able to see my actual apartment at the time. I didn't want to get an apartment without seeing it first. I didn't need granite and I saved a couple hundred a month going without. I honestly think anything in Waterford Lakes is probably a safe bet. I really like the area and we are as close to the beach and salt water fishing as you can get!

[DAF625]

Thanks Scott and OTownKnight,

I didn't think those reviews were very helpful/reliable either. People will go out of their way to complain, but not to praise most businesses, so it is hard to get a good feel for what they are truly like.

I too don't want to purchase without seeing the unit in question. It will be difficult with my schedule though... I am leaning towards visiting the complexes once I arrive in town, and signing the lease last minute.

Camden is sounding quite nice. Granite/stainless steel appliances would be great, they claim energy saving appliances and LED lighting - that would help with the electricity bill, and it seems cable/internet might be included. Might not be a bad deal then.

I have never been to a Winn-Dixie, what sort of problems does it have? Glad to know there will be some selection with Walmart, Target, and Publix in the area.

[ScottFL78]

No problem. Winn-Dixie is fine but there is a Publix on Colonial and is pretty much in Waterford Lakes. That is where I usually shop. I am telling you we have everything... Closest Whole Foods is a drive but Publix has everything you should need. Keep in touch. If you need anything PM me and we can talk on the phone.